Cambodia has officially withdrawn its team from the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand amidst escalating border conflicts with Thailand, which have continued for a third day. In a letter addressed to the organisers, the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia expressed that the decision was made based on “serious concerns” for the athletes’ safety, particularly following requests from their families to allow them to return home.
The tensions between Thailand and Cambodia flared on Monday, marking the second significant clash between the nations this year, which jeopardized a fragile ceasefire established in July through the intervention of U.S. President Donald Trump. The ongoing violence has resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of residents due to intense artillery exchanges and air strikes by Thai forces. As reported, at least 14 people have lost their lives and 88 others have sustained injuries amid the recent clashes.
The National Olympic Committee of Cambodia stated, “NOCC must withdraw all of our delegation and arrange for their prompt return to Cambodia for safety reasons,” in the letter dated December 10, which was released on Wednesday, following the team’s participation in the Games’ opening ceremony in Bangkok. They emphasized that the decision was not made lightly, reflecting the serious nature of the situation.
During the previous Southeast Asian Games hosted in 2023, Cambodia secured the fourth position in the medals tally. This year’s edition is being held across various locations including Bangkok, Chonburi, and Songkhla. The withdrawal highlights the impact of regional tensions on sport and demonstrates the commitment to prioritizing the safety of athletes over competition during such precarious times.
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